- Use a little dish detergent and water
- Scrub the rocks to remove dirt
- Rinse well
- Allow the stones and rocks to dry completely
- CLEANING TIPS:
- I like to do several stones at one time in a bucket
- Dirt from the stones may clog the pipes, so be sure to dispose of the cleaning water in a suitable place
- To sanitize the stones after washing and rinsing, I add a little bleach to a bucket of clean water, then rinse well
Many rocks need just a good cleaning and no other preparation for painting.
Priming will make your project go much easier for certain types of rock and stones.
Candidates for priming:
- Smooth stones
- Dark-colored rocks and stones
- Rough, porous, and/or pitted rocks or bricks
SMOOTH STONES
I purchased these landscaping stones in the garden department of a big box store.
They are a great shape for rock painting, but the smooth surface makes it difficult for paint to adhere properly. Without priming the rocks first, my design and hard work can peel right off.
To prime these stones (after they've been cleaned and dried), I just apply 1 or 2 coats of white (or light colored) acrylic or craft paint.
The light primer not only helps subsequent paint layers adhere but also brightens subsequent colors.
DARK-COLORED STONES
A coat or two of white or light-colored paint applied to dark stones helps brighten subsequent paint colors as illustrated below.
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| Painted Rock Ladybug Color Counters |
PITTED OR ROUGH STONES OR BRICKS
There are several ways to prime pitted or rough stones.
Acrylic paint can be used to fill the pits (if they aren't numerous or deep) by dabbing the paint into any little crevasses or holes.
Landscaping bricks, edgers and pavers are very rough. I like to brush on a product called KILZ to prime them before painting.
Sometimes, I smooth wood filler over a rock's holes and cracks to fill them before applying a primer and/or painting.
Update August 2017: For slightly pitted stones, I now use super heavy gesso. Learn more about gesso and how it is used.
To protect and seal my rocks once they are painted, I brush on Americana DuraClear Satin Varnish.
To protect and seal my rocks once they are painted, I brush on Americana DuraClear Satin Varnish.
These are the supplies and methods I prefer for painted rocks preparation and protection.
© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks
Thank you, that was helpful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Cindy M. I'm glad you found the information helpful.
ReplyDeleteDoes spray paint work very well to mass prime/paint a bunch of stones?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question. I've never used spray paint but it would sure be a time saver. You may want to try it on a few stones first to make sure 1) it adheres to the stone and 2) that subsequent acrylic paint adheres to the "primed" stone. (You wouldn't want to use spray paint with a glossy or enamel finish.) I would try this item from Krylon. http://www.krylon.com/products/colormaster-primer/
DeleteLet me know if it works.
Very good information for people like me ... a beginner. Thank you.
DeleteYou're so welcome, Ruth. Thanks for letting me know you find the info helpful.
DeleteLove your work. You are very talented. Just starting but in rock search I find too small or too large. Michael's and Home Depot. ???
DeleteThank you so much for the compliment, Joette.
DeleteIt can be difficult to find good painting rocks in certain areas. If you find it necessary to purchase them, stay away from the polished stones, e.g., those at Michael's (the paint won't adhere well.)
I have purchased stones from Home Depot and been very happy with them. (Here's a link to my blog post about them: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2014/06/where-can-i-find-rocks-for-painting.html
Amazon.com sells stones (search for beach pebbles).
If you're in the U.S., the post office has a flat rate shipping service and you could enlist a friend to ship you some rocks from their area.
I'm trying to paint a rock. I'm just starting the colors. Normally I write on them, then seal them with an acrylic coating. The paint doesn't cover! Do I need to use a primer first?
DeleteIt sounds like you do need a primer, Holly. You can use white acrylic paint as your primer. It will give the colors something to adhere to and also make the colors brighter. Here are some primer guideline, if your rock is a darker color a primer definitely helps. If you're painting a light-colored rock, a primer is not as important. If your rock is super smooth, a primer will help paint adhere better to the rock.
DeleteVery detailed and very good information, thank you
DeleteYou're welcome, EmpressII.
DeleteI have used it a lot and spray paint works perfectly
DeleteThanks for letting us know the spray paint works well to mass prime rocks, Eri28.
DeleteAlso, you can use spray gesso. Hobby Lobby, among others carry it. I think it's made by Krylon but not sure.
DeleteThanks for letting me know about spray gesso, Robert. I wasn't aware it existed.
DeleteThanks for your helpful techniques. Can't wait to try painting.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you find my tips helpful. Painted rocks are very forgiving. If you don't like what you paint, cover the stone with one color of paint and start over. Have fun.
DeleteApreciable Cindy, gracias por tus consejos para la preparación de las rocas para pintarlas. Tus rocas son muy bonitas.
ReplyDeleteSaludos
De nada, Julian. Me alegra que hayas encontrado los consejos útiles y les agradezco mucho por complementando mis piedras pintadas.
Delete(You're welcome, Julian. I'm glad you found the tips helpful and thank you very much for complimenting my painted rocks.)
Great tips :) I plan on getting a few rocks ready for the kids to paint this weekend. Happy Mothers Day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment and wishing me Happy Mothers Day. I'm glad you found these tips helpful; painting rocks will be a wonderful Mother's Day project. Enjoy your special day with the kids.
DeleteHello, I was looking to ask what kind of paint do you find that works the best. There are just so many brands, is acrylic better ?
ReplyDeleteBella, the quick answer is yes, acrylic is better. It dries fast and is easy to clean up.
DeleteI use both acrylic and craft paint acrylic in the 2 oz. bottles. I have no preference for a brand and choose the paint based on the color I like or want. (Note: The craft paint acrylic is a little thinner than the acrylic and more coats may be needed.) For painted rocks displayed outdoors, I use Anita's Yard & Garden Outdoor Paint. Deco Art also makes a version called "patio paint."
Hi I use match pots from any DIY store great choice of colours plus cheap!love your tips Cindy thanx Lindsey
DeleteThanks for another great tip, Lindsey. I'm happy to hear you find my tips helpful.
DeleteWhat is the best way to preserve your painted rock that is going to be exposed to the weather (all seasons, including winter)
ReplyDeleteTerry, for my outdoor rocks I use several coats of Mod Podge Outdoor, followed by several coats of Delta Ceramcoat Exterior/Interior Varnish. The Mod Podge gets "tacky" in humidity and is the reason I apply the Delta Ceramcoat over it. I've heard some people use sealers meant for boats but I've never tried them. I have some rocks that have been outdoors for years in all seasons and the painted rock has been fine and some others have had the paint flake off. I'd suggest checking an outdoor painted rock every year and apply another coat of sealer if you think it needs it. You can read more about my experience with sealers on this blog post: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-seal-and-protect-painted-rocks.html
DeleteThanks for all of your ideas. Great help.
ReplyDeleteYou're so very welcome, Bonnie. I'm glad the info is helpful to you and thanks for commenting.
DeleteI am addicted to painting rocks. Found some great ones on Home Depot online with ship to store option and no shipping charge. A very large bag of smooth, flat, medium size Mexican River Flat Stones around $10.
ReplyDeleteAs you can see, College Street Cottage, I'm addicted to rock painting also. I've purchased rocks at Home Depot too! Shipped to store free, $10 bag, but mine were the white Caribbean beach pebbles. I'll have to give the Mexican River Flat stones a try one of these days. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteDo the white pebbles have a wax type finish on them? If so, how to you prepare them for painting. I know the polished rocks scratch. I would think even with primer the paint still would not adhere well?
DeleteNancy, the white Caribbean beach pebbles are not polished but they do have a chalky coating. I just wash them in dish soap and water and let them dry completely. The acrylic paint adheres very well to these white pebbles from Home Depot.
DeleteI am curious could I do some decoupage using Modge Podge over the rocks once primed? I want to add Punched out paper shapes like flowers and four leaf clovers for pocket good luck charms.I want to also use tissue paper as well, Would sealing them with Modge Podge work with sealing the art on the rocks? For larger rocks I want to make them into paperweights or just decoration for desks.
DeleteYes, PoliticalAnimal, you can decoupage over the rocks. Here's my blog post about how I decoupaged pieces of a pretty napkin onto rocks: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-mod-podge-napkin-onto-rocks.html
DeleteHi Cindy, I dont know if you still look at this, but, i started painting r ocks because our house is on an old rock quarry and i have a ton of different sizes. very dirty and hard to wash, but was wondering if you have any advice for garden rocks. washing the ones that are brown, and do i really need to remmove it all
DeleteHi Rhonda. Like any paint job, my recommendation is that the surface should be clean before paint is applied. My rocks aren't that dirty but I still use soap, bleach and a brush to scrub them clean (allowing them to thoroughly dry) before adding paint.
DeleteGreat advice and interesting tips-thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, ayellowrose.
DeleteGreat post - thank you for the information. Can't wait to try this for the first time!
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, Carly. If you're like me, once you start painting rocks you won't stop!
DeleteOmg I am so addicted and find stone very therapeutic my partner is getting fed up mind you with stones everywhere lol any tips on selling??lindsey
DeleteRock painting can become very addicting, Lindsey. I have rocks, both painted and unpainted, all over my house also. As for selling, I started off selling to family and friends and then jumped into online sales. I haven't done craft fairs, but they're certainly an option. Pricing is the most difficult aspect and it's something you'll have to experiment with.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteI have seen so many rocks painted to look like houses which got me really interested in painting rocks. I love all your information and it is very helpful. I need to go and get the Delta Ceramcoat varnish, outdoor Modge Podge. I just hope summer doesn't get a way before I get it done. I am also a big rubber stamper, make cards etc.
ReplyDeleteDiana from WI
Thanks for letting me know you love my information and find it helpful. I'm glad to hear you've been inspired to give rock painting a try; don't hesitate to ask any questions along the way. As a rubber stamper and card maker, you may even discover designs and ideas that can also work well on rocks. Have a fun summer, Diana!
DeleteLove all your inspiring info. I'm surrounded by rocks where I live on an island in N.ontario. Dying to try this! Which are the best acrylic paints to get started?
ReplyDeleteBoni - Thanks for letting me know you appreciate all the info I share.
DeleteIf you're just starting to paint rocks, I'd suggest an inexpensive white acrylic paint (or crafter's acrylic which is slightly thinned with water.) You would use this white to prime your rocks so the colorful acrylics look brighter and adhere better.
I use various brands of acrylic/crafter's acrylic and don't have a favorite. Some of the brands I've used are: DecoArt, Apple Barrel, Folk Art, Americana, and Anita's. I buy my paint based on the color I'm looking for rather than a specific brand.
In a nutshell, I'd say start with inexpensive acrylics and see how they work for you.
Thank you so much for the detailed information!! Had no idea the rocks should be primed first. My question is about brushes...do you use anything other than brushes, for example, toothpicks for very small dots? Great information. Thanks very much!! (using anonymous profile b/c I don't know the others. :/ ) Debra
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found this rock painting information helpful, Debra. For dots, I use a stylus set I purchased at Hobby Lobby. You can also make your own dotting tool with a pencil and straight pin. This blog post shows you how I made and used my own dotting tool: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2012/12/sweet-simple-gifts-no-fat-rock-candies.html
DeleteThanks for the great tips - I am going to try painting rocks tomorrow since I'm on vacation and it's going to rain. I gathered some nice rocks in a nearby brook. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Marcia. Rock painting is a great rainy day craft. And, you'll have some nice souvenirs to bring home. :-)
DeleteSO helpful. You are very detailed in and I DID try the Sharpie's first (trying to cut corners for a church group) as you are most aware...TOTALLY did not show up and SMEARED when sprayed with the clear acrylic spray paint. SO I can attest to the need for the paint. Heading back out to the store now to get it. No shortcuts to good art. lol Thank you for your details in al the areas of this process. VERY helpful. Luckily I live in Wyoming and our rivers and old river beds create these rocks. Most of us have them in our backyards so that was the EASY part. Thank you for letting me know about the priming also. Great tips and I will be back to explore your site some more. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDani, I'm sorry to hear your rock creations were ruined when you used the Sharpies. I wrote another blog post about a set of art pens which didn't smear as much with the spray-on sealer. Here is the link: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-paint-zentangle-patterns-on.html (Several thin coats of sealer work best.)
DeleteI'm glad you find my tips helpful. It's always nice to know they're appreciated. You're one of the fortunate ones who can easily find rocks to paint. Rock on!
MIL GRACIAS POR TUS CONSEJOS, SOY DE GUATEMALA, comenzare esta gran aventura, espeor encontrar aquà los productos o alguno que se parezca, GOD BLES YOU.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Maria. I hope you find the advice helpful with your rock painting adventure. God bless you also.
DeleteVery helpful, Cindy! Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to share. Appreciate it!
DeleteThanks for letting me know you appreciate my rock painting tips, Sunshine Glo. Happy rock painting.
DeleteYour rocks are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI would like to paint on rocks in their natural state. If I prime them first, I would have to paint the whole rock,loosing its natural beauty. I tried once and gave up because I had to keep starting over. I could not get the edges/lines and details straight. I was using the smallest brush I could find. My friend said to try a short stiff brush. Well, I'm going to try painting again. Any advice?
Thank you,
Hope
Thank you for the compliment, Hope.
DeleteYou can definitely paint rocks in their natural state without priming them. Just make sure the rock isn't too smooth or slick otherwise the paint won't adhere properly. Painting details takes practice and the right brush is very important. You would think a small, short brush would work but I've found a script liner (long and thin) gives the best results for detail painting. Nail art brushes are another good alternative.
Here are 2 blog posts I wrote about brushes which you may find helpful: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2014/06/3-of-my-favorite-rock-painting-brushes.html AND http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2015/09/nail-art-brushes-great-set-of-tools-for.html
Don't give up; just keep practicing and experimenting and you'll create beautiful painted stones.
Your Art Work is Beautiful! You have inspired me.
ReplyDeleteMahalo from Maui!!
Jeannie
Jeannie, thank you for your compliments. You'll have many beautiful rock subjects to paint with Maui as your inspiration too.
DeleteDear great Cindy T. You have a big heart! Sharing with all of us everything you know about rocks art. I am so addicted now to stones painting, at 73, started 4 month ago, first time I saw some painted rocks and fell madly in love with this art.Made some mistakes, learnt more, andnow collecting the stones everywhere. Thanks to your jenerosity, I will make less mistakes.I love preparing gifts with those painted rocks. I don"t intend to sell, Just love to give them away to people I love.Thank you again, I intend to read everything you have written and will visit your site much more. All the very best,you are a wonderful artist , Netia
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the wonderful world of rock painting, Netia. I'm happy to share what I learn and it seems I'm constantly learning new things regarding painted rocks. Like you, I fell in love with the hobby once I painted my first stone. Many times, I'm glad to have painted rocks on hand to give as gifts. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Your compliments have warmed my heart.
DeleteDear Cindy I appriciate it that you took the trouble to comment my mail to you.You are very kind.
DeleteI also wanted to tell you that about a month ago I used as a coating on my colored small stones, lacquered nails and dryer, and the result was excellent . Maybe in a year or so,something will change but as for now, everything seems to be fine. All the very best, Netia
You just gave me an idea, Netia. I'm going to try clear nail polish/top coat as a sealer over artist pen on a rock to see how it works. I'm sending my best to you also.
DeleteHi Cindy, I'm doing a project with upper elementary students and they would like to write inspirational words/phrases on one side and their names on the other (gift for their teacher). I know you primarily use acrylic paint. Would it be possible to use sharpies or some other more pointed instrument so the finished product is a readable as they want it to be?
ReplyDeleteGreetings. Your project sounds like a wonderful idea for the teacher. It IS possible to use Sharpies and other art pens on rocks. The problem occurs when you apply a sealer to protect the art. Many of the sealers may cause the pens to bleed and ruin the words/design. Thin coats of a spray-on sealer generally work best but I recently had a problem with the can dripping and blurring my design. Another alternative sealer (especially if the stones are on the small side) is clear top coat for fingernails. I've tested this and the design shouldn't blur but I'm not sure how durable this alternate sealer will be and you may want to test it first with the type of pen your students are using.
DeleteThank you for posting these tips. I seal my stones with a thin layer of glitter glue. It gives them a little sparkle. It doesn't smear Sharpie designs.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Smile go. I appreciate your tip about glitter glue. I've never tried using it as a sealer and I'd especially like to try it with the Sharpies.
DeleteThank you for your tips ......here from Portugal
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, Jungle Jane from Portugal. I'm happy to share what I have learned during my rock painting adventure.
DeleteLove your Blog... The kilz primer, there is the oil base and the latex, I would think to use the latex, what's your opinion? Thank you
ReplyDeleteLynn - Thanks for letting me know you love the blog. The Kilz I use is water-based (I like the easy clean up.) I would say the latex would be better than the oil base.
DeleteHi Cindy, thank you for sharing lots of rock art techniques. I am a beginner and have taken notes from your very informative site. I live near Thames, New Zealand and there are now a few Rock Clubs for children popping around the country on Facebook. Someone has posted to prime rocks using PVA glue. Works well with the few that I have tried on. The paint stuck on nicely. Leah
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear my rock painting info has been helpful to you. Thanks for the tip about using white glue as a primer. I'll have to give it a try and update this post.
DeleteIf you use glue or mod podge before spraying the sealer, let it dry for a few hrs, then spray, Sharpes won't run.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, Lenore.
DeleteHi Cindy! I am new to rock painting, and I have been scouring your blog for tips. Very helpful! I have a question regarding pens. I bought Sharpie Paint pens, but I'm wondering if I should go ahead and get the Posca pens. Here's what I'm running into: while I'm writing a long word, the paint starts to get too thin, and I have to stop and "pump" the marker on a piece of paper to get the paint to flow again. And then I usually get a big blob on the rock when I get back to it. :( Are the Posca markers more continuous than this? Do they keep writing like like a typical marker-on-paper, or do they require pumping to get the flow as well? It's very frustrating - and then when I try to go back over the word where the paint got too thin, the newly primed marker grabs some of the paint and I get a bald spot on the rock. Boo!! Do you have any suggestions? What am I doing wrong? Do the Posca markers do this? Thank you for pointing me in the right direction! ~ Anna in TX
ReplyDeleteHello. I'm happy to hear you find my tips helpful but sorry you're having difficulty with paint pens. I use the paint pens for detail work and have never tried to write a long word. The Posca pens do have a "bead" inside and must be shaken so I'm worried you would have the same problem with them. (By the way, you're not doing anything wrong. It's the nature of the beast.) Since Posca pens can be pricey, my suggestion would be to purchase just 1 Posca pen and see how it works for you. Another suggestion would be to make sure your rocks are very smooth. Some rock artists use dip pens and ink but I haven't used these myself. I wish I could be more helpful. Here's my blog post about pens in case you haven't seen it: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2013/06/rock-painting-tip-use-paint-pens.html
DeleteThanks, I just started painting rocks myself. This was very helpful, I love the part about filling the holes with wood filler, what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, Chris T. I'm happy to hear you find the information helpful. Happy rock painting.
DeleteI like your blog a lot. Its informative and full of information. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you and you're welcome, Airless Spray.
DeleteCan we use oil colors for painting rocks?
ReplyDeleteI have not used oil colors on rocks, however, I imagine it's possible if you "gesso" the stone first. Give it a try and let me know if it works.
DeleteThank you for the tips I am about to embark on rock painting...
ReplyDeletePat UK
You're so very welcome, Pat. Welcome to the fun world of rock painting!
DeleteThank you for the tips on priming and preparing. You answered many questions I have and saved me time and supplies.
ReplyDeleteYou're so very welcome, Shauna. I'm glad your questions were answered. Happy rock painting!
DeleteI heard somewhere that you can bake the rocks to set the paint. Is that true?
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of baking rocks to set the paint. I have heard of heating rocks in the oven and melting crayons on them.
DeleteOne good place I found local to where I live is an outdoor forest products company. They have wood and rocks/stones (different sizes). Got a really good deal on almost 100 lbs of rocks in two 5-lb buckets (1 filled with small multi colored rocks and the other filled with paintable rocks) and spent just around $25. Best deal I could find.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a great resource for rocks, Tenderheart. You did, indeed, receive one of the best deals around!
DeleteHi, Cindy T,
ReplyDeleteAs a lifetime artist, I've been painting rocks (and eggshells!) for many years and use them painted AND natural in my art on canvas, mat board, wood, etc. I see in most of your questions the problem with sealing the art on rocks and the sealer causing the artwork to smear or run. I learned LONG ago to brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the artwork FIRST, let it dry COMPLETELY, sometimes only about 20 minutes, depending upon how thick you've applied the Mod Podge, and THEN using spray or brush on acrylic to save the artwork. It too me many mistakes to learn this simple "trick", but once learned, it works on nearly ANY surface or acrylic painted surface. .. and helps keep you from crying over losing such lovingly and painstakingly time and love you've put into your work. Thanks for helping out so many new artists to this fun and therapeutic works of stone art.
Hi Katie.
DeleteThanks for commenting about the use of Mod Podge prior to using a sealer. At one time I only used Mod Podge and then discovered that it became "tacky" in humid weather. Since then, I've continued to use Mod Podge before adding a brush-on sealer. I haven't experienced any smearing either when using the Mod Podge to "set" the paint. It's good to get confirmation by another artist that this technique does work.
Hi Cindy, the information here is very helpful for beginners! I have a access to a ton of round flat smooth rocks that I gathered for a school project. They have about 2 to 3 inch surface to paint Since we have 100+ rocks to prime, what is the most efficient and cost effective way to prime the rocks? We want to leave the rock color in its natural state, but worried that the smooth surface will not be a good base for the paint. I was thinking mod podge as a primer and then using the recommended low odor spray for the sealer. What do you recommend? I would like to use glow in the dark paint. Have you ever used? Have you used a Nail Stamper for designs before? I thought this may be fun, but not sure if it will work. Also, looking for ideas to display the rocks. Each class (25 students) will decorate their own rock and have their own display. We are thinking of a wall plaque possibly, a decorative tray, but looking for more ideas, something outside maybe. Any ideas you have to display 25 rocks together as one art piece would be great. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHello. I'm happy to hear you find the information on my blog helpful. The rocks you've collected sound perfect for rock painting! I have painted on smooth rocks without priming them and the paint has adhered well. (The problem is when the rock is coated with a waxy substance.) However, Mod Podge should be fine as a primer. That said, I would recommend doing a few "practice" rocks before doing the class project. Prime them, paint them, seal them and see how it goes.
DeleteI have used glow-in-the-dark paint and it worked well. Here's a blog post I wrote about it: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2013/02/painted-rocks-how-to-get-yours-noticed.html
I have not used a nail stamper but if the rock is smooth enough, I don't know why it wouldn't work.
Your ideas for displaying all 25 rocks together sound great. For outside display, I've heard of classes creating rock gardens. Note: even if a rock has been sealed, it will eventually fade when left outdoors.
I wrote a blog post about display stands for rocks but it's for individual rocks: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2015/02/how-to-display-painted-rocks-store.html
Good luck with your rock painting project. I'm sure it will be a great success!
Nice article!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eli.
Delete